Enjoy
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Incubux was 5
A small child, nearly at the age to start asking questions, even for his age, he wasn't like the other children.
He was more aware, more curious. He could sense emotions and body language.
He was Nightmares child after all.
But he noticed something between both his parents, the emotions coming from his mother, and how isolated his father seemed.
Their marriage seemed rather different than others he'd seen and read, atleast he thought they were married.
But being the curious kid he was, he asked.
••••
Cross was in one of the many living rooms of the castle, sitting on the couch sipping coffee. Seeming rather drained.
He sighed.
'Another day...'
He thought.
Until he heard tiny footsteps coming towards the room.
He smiled slightly, Cross already knew who it could be.
Soon, the door opened, and in came Incubux. The sight of his son made him sit up straighter.
"Mama!"
The child ran towards his mother.
Cross raised a brow.
'What is it? Why are you in such a hurry?"
He questioned his five year old.
"Mom, have a question."
"Hm? What is it?"
For a second, Incubux wondered if he should even be asking, but he did anyways.
"I-I've noticed recently mama."
He spoke.
"Why are your emotions so negative? It's usually when Dads around."
Cross paused.
He knew his son would become aware of his abilities but he didn't think of how soon.
"Mom?"
The child questioned.
"Are you okay?"
Cross snapped out of it.
"I'm okay, y-youre probably just overthinking it."
He felt a beat of sweat going down his skull.
He was kinda glad the guys were out today. This would've been awkward.
"Any other questions?"
"Why don't you have a wedding ring?"
Cross grew confused.
"What?"
"I-I noticed people with families tend to be married. Why is it you or dad don't have rings of your own?"
The bundle of negativity asked innocently.
"Aren't you guys married?"
Cross couldn't help but stare.
He felt his soul in his throat.
'I can't just...'
"Incubux, maybe you should start getting ready for bed. It's late."
Incubux didn't seem fond of that idea.
"But Mom!"
"No buts, now head upstairs, ill meet you there in a moment."
Incubux pouted.
'Fine, I'll ask dad then.'
••••
The child made his way to his father's office.
Knocking on the door, he knew his father sensed him outside as the door opened.
Nightmare questioned why the smaller was knocking so late.
"What is it?"
He leaned against the door with arms Crossed as he asked his son.
"Papa, I have a question for you."
Incubux said a he walked closer to his father.
Nightmare raised a brow.
"Are you and Mom married?"
Nightmare blinked before scoffing.
"No. We're not."
He blankly said.
"If that's all then I have documents to fill."
He turned to leave but was stopped when his son gently gripped his jacket.
"But papa, monsters families I've seen like ours tend to marry and love one another."
Incubux tilted his head.
"Don't you both love eachother? Isn't that why I'm here?"
Nightmare stared at him for a few soul beats before chuckling.
"Son, our family is.. rather different, not everyone marries because they have kids."
"But you guys love eachother!...right?"
Incubux said hopeful.
"Isn't that why i exist papa?"
"......"
Nightmare sighed.
"Does it look like we do?"
The child grew confused.
••••
Cross was listening to everything around the corner.
'Oh god...'
"But is it true!"
Incubux loudly exclaimed.
Nightmare sighed, he knew Cross was listening to the whole thing, as he sensed him.
So he answered.
"No, Incubux, we don't love eachother."
Cross felt his soul crack alittle more.
He had heard these words before, Nightmare it clear time and again but...
The sad thing is he still loved Nightmare, and it doesn't help that Nightmare still toys with him whenever he wants.
"What.."
The child questioned.
"Y-You dont..?"
The taller shook his head.
"Then why am I here? Surely you loved him at some point! Right..?"
The Dark Lord said nothing to that question.
Instead, he told him to go find Cross and get ready for bed.
Cross shakily sighed.
'Oh Incubux...If only you knew..'
"You can stop hiding, y'know it's pointless."
Cross emerged from the corner, making eye-contact with Nightmare.
"This is..amusing, really? Our own Kid."
Cross scoffed.
"I tried to stop him. You saw how that went clearly."
"I almost feel bad for him."
"Maybe you should be there for him."
Nightmare looked at Cross.
"Its already enough he's acting like this, can't you spend more time with him atleast."
Nightmare scoffed.
"Yes dear, when I have the time."
He kissed the smaller cheek plainly.
"I told you to stop doing that!"
Cross pushed him away.
Nightmare chuckled.
"I 'love' you too hun."
And with that he retreated to his office.
Leaving Cross alone.
'You only say that when you use me..'
